The most recent model of the premium Fenix outdoor watch includes a life-saving capability: no-phone messaging and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular tech, plus an optional advanced microLED display in a limited edition. This is the brand's premier device and designed to be the single gadget needed to explore almost any location and track all your movements.
That makes it an extremely pricey proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – nearly twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of features for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. The complete offline maps of the world can seamlessly guide you return to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm version found in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an extra day of watch battery life despite the screen on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other wearables. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, emergency messaging is not included for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while out running, biking or comparable activities – along with emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages via orbital are then charged on top, with higher-tier subscriptions including different allowances of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
After you have completed setup, you simply venture outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your family and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally using typed or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of customisable canned responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for extended discussions as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to on its own transmit a link to chosen contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s great for following competition performance, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically worked well, although the real position has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is important to note that orbital coverage is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally repairable with services available via the customer service portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin offers disposal schemes on new purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an even more remarkable adventure tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
This is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to enable the service. At least it is not dependent on your phone carrier so functions with any brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED screen, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and orbital features need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech capabilities are slow, basic wearable functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
